DBM releases P554.4-M tourism campaign fund

Department of Budget and Management / Wikipedia Photo

MANILA — In line with the government’s efforts at elevating the Philippines as one of the top tourist destinations in the world, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P554.4 million to the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) for the implementation of its marketing and promotional activities.

DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said the funding will support the efforts of the TPB to highlight the country’s products, landmark destinations and services, with the end goal of increasing tourism arrivals and investments to 10 million tourists by 2016.

“We’re already seeing more foreign tourists flocking to the country, and the local tourism industry is now at its most vibrant. This latest release supports our efforts to bring more visitors into the country,” said Abad in a statement.

While broadening the government’s tourism campaign will certainly be a major component in the country’s marketing efforts, Abad said, “the fact that the country has so many to offer to both our domestic and foreign tourists is a definite advantage.

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“Further improving our growing tourism industry will help create more business opportunities and generate more jobs in tourism-oriented communities. This will in turn complement our other efforts in pursuing our bigger goals of economic expansion and inclusive growth,” he added.

Of the P554.4-million fund release, the DBM chief said some P429.4 million will be charged against the Tourism Promotions Board Fund under the Special Account in the General Fund to cover the first quarter operating requirements of the TPB.

“The remaining P125 million is part of the promotions board’s regular subsidy and will be utilized for its second quarter funding needs,” he said.

Part of the TPB’s promotional activities include organizing the country’s participation in trade and consumer fairs and other related exhibitions and events.

TPB would also conduct invitational and familiarization programs for wholesalers, retailers, members of the media, and other influential groups and individuals to promote awareness and create a demand for the Philippine tourist destinations.

It would also roll out various multi-media campaigns to attract more international visitors and local tourists to visit and experience Filipino hospitality.